NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will start their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign by welcoming Sale to Rodney Parade.

The Dragons will host the English side on Sunday, November 15 (kick-off 3.15pm) before a swift turnaround to their fixture at Castres on Saturday, November 21 (kick-off 4pm).

They take on Pau in the December double header – at home on Saturday, December 12 (kick-off 2.30pm) and at the Stade du Hameau on Saturday, December 19 (kick-off 7.45pm).

The dates for the final two rounds – at home to Castres then away to Sale – are yet to be confirmed.

The Sharks, who boast England’s Danny Cipriani in their ranks and finished seventh in the Aviva Premiership last season, will start as favourites to top Pool Two.

Castres were French champions two years ago but narrowly avoided relegation last season while Pau who have been promoted back to the Top 14.

The former will boast powerhouse Samoan wing David Smith, Scotland lock Richie Gray and France scrum-half Rory Kockott in their ranks while Pau have recruited All Blacks Conrad Smith and Colin Slade.

The Dragons will attempt to repeat last season’s heroics when they topped a pool containing French champions Stade Francais, Newcastle and Bucharest Wolves after a solitary home loss to the Falcons.

They went on to beat Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade in the quarter-finals but were thumped by Edinburgh in the semi-final at Murrayfield.

Dragons’ Euro fixtures:
Sunday, November 15 – Sale, home (kick-off 3.15pm)

Saturday, November 21 – Castres, away (kick-off 4pm)

Saturday, December 12 – Pau, home (kick-off 2.30pm)

Saturday, December 19 – Pau, away (kick-off 7.45pm)

January 14/15/16/17 – Castres, home

January 21/22/23/24 – Sale, away